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Empowering Well-Being: Validation of a Locus of Control Scale Specific to Well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • Joran Farnier

    (Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Rebecca Shankland

    (Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Ilios Kotsou

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles)

  • Marion Inigo

    (Université de Toulouse-II Jean-Jaurès)

  • Evelyn Rosset

    (Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Christophe Leys

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles)

Abstract

A major underlying assumption of positive psychology is that we can influence our well-being through our own behavior. It remains an open question as to whether the general public shares this perception, and how this is related to their actual level of well-being. Do they feel a sense of control over their well-being or do they see it more as subject to external influences? There is currently no defined scientific construct to describe this phenomenon. Therefore, the aim of the present research was to define a concept of a locus of control specific to well-being (WB-LOC) and develop a multidimensional scale with which to measure it (WB-LOC12). To examine the psychometric properties of the WB-LOC scale, we conducted three studies with the following analyses: an exploratory analysis in Study 1 (n = 349), a confirmatory analysis with validity and reliability evaluations in Study 2 (n = 341), and a third study (n = 586), in which we translated the scale from French into English and evaluated the factorial structure and internal consistency in diverse cultural samples. Results indicated a solid reliability and validity. Moreover, exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported the three-factor structure in both the French and English versions. In conclusion, the WB-LOC12 scale shows robust psychometric properties and can be used in further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Joran Farnier & Rebecca Shankland & Ilios Kotsou & Marion Inigo & Evelyn Rosset & Christophe Leys, 2021. "Empowering Well-Being: Validation of a Locus of Control Scale Specific to Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(8), pages 3513-3542, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:8:d:10.1007_s10902-021-00380-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00380-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Santini, Ziggi Ivan & Thygesen, Lau Caspar & Koyanagi, Ai & Stewart-Brown, Sarah & Meilstrup, Charlotte & Nielsen, Line & Olsen, Kim Rose & Birkjær, Michael & McDaid, David & Koushede, Vibeke & Ekholm, 2022. "Economics of mental wellbeing: a prospective study estimating associated productivity costs due to sickness absence from the workplace in Denmark," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 116690, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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